Grade 5 Social Studies

Our Social Studies curriculum for fifth grade begins with the foundation of our nation. Students will gain an understanding of several topics including the thirteen colonies, the Revolutionary War, writing of the Constitution, and formation of the United States government. Another area of focus is America's expansion westward, specifically studying the effects of gaining land west of the Mississippi. Topics such as relations with the Native Americans are of specific focus.

Grade 6 Social Studies

Our Social Studies curriculum for sixth grade focuses on the study of world regions and how they compare and contrast to our own. The students learn about each region's specific culture, religion, imports, exports, and governments across the globe. By gaining an awareness of diverse regions students become aware of their own region, culture, and how it differs from others all over the world.

Grade 7 Social Studies

Ancient Civilizations are the topic and focus in the seventh grade curriculum. Ancient Egyptians advanced techniques of building pyramids, mummifying practices, and defining characteristics of their ancient cultures are covered.Civilizations of Mexico and Central America; the Maya, Aztec, and Inca, are focused on as well. In addition, we cover the Medieval times. One of our projects for this topic includes the construction of medieval castles and helmets.

Grade 8 Social Studies

The Social Studies curriculum in the eighth grade begins with the Civil War. Students learn about each of the important battles, generals, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the war. Other events reviewed are World War I and World War II. Detailed descriptions of the events leading up to each of the wars, during battle, and outcomes of the wars are studied. Other time periods covered include the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, the Cold War, and the Holocaust.

Grade 5-8 Language Arts and Writing

Language Arts consists of five components: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. We will be reading a wide variety of stories, poems, and novels from an assortment of authors with the goal of developing students’ higher-level thinking skills of analysis and evaluation. Students will learn to assess literature for a variety of story elements, literary devices, and an author’s purpose in writing. In addition, we will explore the various genres of literature, with students independently reading books of their own choosing from each designated genre and preparing presentations for the class.

• Writing is second only to reading as an essential life skill, and the ability to write well is essential for proficient scores on the standardized tests. Therefore, we will be writing nearly every day. While our writing projects will take many forms, instruction will focus on narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository writing.
• The speaking, listening, and viewing portions of the curriculum will be enjoyable and allow students to incorporate personal interests. In addition, students will view various types of print and film media and be taught to assess the messages found for credibility and bias.
• Supporting the above work in Language Arts will be daily lessons in vocabulary, spelling, grammar, usage, and mechanics.
• Technology, especially Web 2.0 tools, will be used daily to enhance and expand instruction. Students will produce a variety of digital products related to novels, stories, and writing assignments.

Grade 5 Science

There are four major units: Earth in Space/Solar System, Ecosystems, Levers and Pulleys/Simple Machines, and Mixtures and Solutions. Within each of the units of study a STEM (Science, Engineering, Math and Technology) project will be integrated. The scientific method will be reinforced during laboratory activities. Students will be provided with ample hands-on opportunities in our inquiry based science program.

Grade 6 Science

The following units of study are covered in sixth grade: Sound and Light, Micro-organisms, Soil/Rock and Minerals, and Buoyancy/Density. Within each of the units of study a STEM (Science, Engineering, Math and Technology) project will be integrated. Students will be provided with ample hands-on opportunities in our inquiry based science program. Students at this grade level will also participate in the Avalon Elementary School Science Fair.

Grade 7 Science

The following units of study are covered in grade 7: Studying Materials Scientifically, Forces, and Motion, Ecology/Evolution and Structures of the Earth. Within each of the units of study a STEM (Science, Engineering, Math and Technology) project will be integrated. Students will be provided with ample hands-on opportunities in our inquiry based science program. Students at this grade level will also participate in the Avalon Elementary School Science Fair. Students in seventh and eighth grade will also have the opportunity to participate at the Jersey Shore Science Fair at Richard Stockton College.

Grade 8 Science

The following units are covered in grade 8: Genetics, Energy, Weather and Water (Chemistry). Within each of the units of study a STEM (Science, Engineering, Math and Technology) project will be integrated. Students will be provided with ample hands-on opportunities in our inquiry based science program. Students at this grade level will also participate in the Avalon Elementary School Science Fair. Students in seventh and eighth grade will also have the opportunity to participate at the Jersey Shore Science Fair at Richard Stockton College.

Grade 5-8 Mathematics

Students will become confident in their ability to do mathematics in all areas especially reasoning and probability, measurement, geometry, patterns algebra, number sense, problem solving and estimation. Students will use technology and other tools, including calculators as an integral part of the mathematical process. Students will communicate mathematically through written, oral, symbolic and visual forms of expression.

Grade 8 Algebra

Algebra I is an accelerated course offered to those students who have met the specific credentials. A student is expected to have exceptional arithmetic skills and excellent working knowledge of fractions, decimals, and other basic mathematical concepts. Most importantly, the student must possess strong independent study skills.

Avalon follows the new Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Therefore, in Algebra I, students: focus on understanding the big ideas of equivalence and linearity; learn to use a variety of representations, including modeling with variables; begin to build connections between geometric objects and algebraic expressions; and use what they have learned previously about geometry, measurement, data analysis, probability, and discrete mathematics as applications of algebra.

Special Education

Our Special Education classes focus on math and language arts. The Orton-Gillingham supplemental approach to reading is used as well as the Davis learning Strategies for reading and writing. Our program also includes handwriting, phonics, word attack, oral and silent reading, comprehension vocabulary development and writing.

Physical Education

All students will work on game skills, hand-eye coordination activities, physical fitness, sports skills, teamwork and sportsmanship. Students will meet for Physical Education three to four times each week for 50 minutes. Grades 5 and 6 will be introduced to dual and team sports and grades 7 and 8 will refine the skills needed for strategy and teamwork for these activities. All students are required to wear running sneakers to class. Students will also be using the locker rooms throughout the school year.

World Language: Spanish

This course is designed to make teaching and learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Blending of the five C’s of communication, culture, connections, comparisons and communities will continue to receive attention. Varied activities will empower students to learn to speak, read, write, and comprehend spoken Spanish, and to do so in a culturally authentic manner.

Technology

Project-based technology literacy classes strive to make students comfortable using technology in the 21st century. We work with a variety of technologies to increase students’ confidence and in an increasingly digital world. Topics covered include productivity applications, web applications, digital photography, digital video editing, mobile devices and computing, basic computer use and management, and communication and collaboration software.

Art

The ideas, methods and projects in the art program are developed to enhance thinking processes integral to visual problem solving. The art activities are designed to spark students’ imaginations, promote their skill development, and encourage them to take risks as they engage in the creative process. The art program celebrates the creative thinking of the individual, the inventive and creative use of materials, and the impact of creativity on the school environment.

Music

General Music is available to all students grades 5-8, once a week for 50 minutes. Music touches on all domains of learning, including the psychomotor domain (the development of skills), the cognitive domain (the acquisition of knowledge), and, in particular and significant ways, the affective domain (appreciation and sensitivity).

Grades 5-8 will follow the NJ state curriculum standards for performing arts and further broaden the students' horizons in music theory, music history, and with the addition of drama. Students will learn how to read, write, and analyze music scores. Students will be required to write and perform their own original composition. They will be introduced to famous composers and trace the development of western music through historical story. Students will have the opportunity to write and perform improvised dramatic scenes. They will learn stage terms as well as utilization of the facial masque and negative space.

Health Education

The primary goal of health education is to provide our children with the knowledge and skills necessary to initiate and maintain a healthy lifestyle that will continue into and throughout adulthood.

The Health program at Avalon Elementary School follows the New Jersey Department of Education Core Curriculum Standards. The various topics covered are grade/age related and the information builds year to year.

UNITS OF STUDY:

• Mental and Emotional Health-character education, decision-making, stress.
• Family and Social Health-relationships, friendships, dating, sexuality.
• Growth and development-body systems, pregnancy and childbirth.
• Nutrition-dietary guidelines, healthy habits, healthy weight and body image.
• Personal Health and Physical Activity-hygiene, exercise.
• Violence and Injury Prevention-safety at home, school and in the community.
• First Aid Skills-severe weather/national disasters safety issues.
• Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs-medicines, drug-free lifestyle, illegal drugs
• Communicable and Chronic Diseases-STI, HIV,AIDS, communicable and non-communicable diseases, chronic illnesses.
• Consumer and community health-media influences
• Environmental Health-clean air, water, and planet

Any concerns or questions please call Mrs. Bossuyt.

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Quarter Courses

Study Skills - Grade 5

Aid students in acquiring better skills to study, chunk information, notetaking and test taking tips.

Career Education - Grade 6

Aid students in gaining knowledge of “self” by investigating; interests abilities, needs, attitudes and personalities. Students gain knowledge of area high schools, curricula, college and vocational choices.

Poetry

Students will learn the forms of poetry and be given the opportunity to express themselves using the written word. Students will use various prompts to inspire their writing and creativity.

Environmental Studies

Students will research various environmental concerns at the local, State, national and global levels. Based on the research, students will brain-storm ideas to potentially solve or lessen the impacts of these environmental problems. Environmental service projects will also be explored.

Art History

Students will become acquainted with all the functions of art, its importance in society for one or more of five major reasons: Philosophical, Historical, Decorative, Functional and Self- Expressive. Students will be able to look at a painting and tell what major purpose it has served in society. Students will learn how to describe, analyze, interpret and judge art work through the ages.

Fitness

Everyone can be fit! Because physical fitness is a state of being that changes with time, it can be present one day and not another. For this reason, it is essential to establish a life-style of regular exercise that will insure fitness and health at all ages, not just for the present. Through this quarter course, students will focus on three basic assumptions: that fitness is for everyone, that fitness is for a lifetime, and that healthy life-styles are important to good fitness.

Music Theory/Guitar

This course is an introduction to the vertical and linear dimensions of tonal music. After a review of musical fundamentals, in which students will be expected to demonstrate facility and speed in naming and spelling basic tonal materials, as well as demonstrate their understanding of chordal structures on the guitar, the course will introduce traditional contrapuntal exercises, basic diatonic harmony, and the paradigmatic construction of formal phrase units. A major concern of this course is the relationship between harmonic, contrapuntal, and formal prototypes and performing actual pieces of music from the 15th – 20th Centuries.

Students who complete this course successfully will be able to:

1. Spell, recognize, and perform all major and minor scales, key signatures, intervals, triads, and seventh chords quickly and accurately
2. Compose brief chord progressions using tonic, dominant, and predominant harmonies
3. Perform all theoretic chordal progressions on the guitar

Bay Studies

Students will focus on specific information about particular ecosystems, such as the effect of wetlands on the Bay's water quality. The classes also address broader environmental concepts such as natural succession, nutrient cycling, and adaptation. These classes promote students' environmental awareness, their understanding of scientific and ecological principles, and their insight into how humans interact with the environment. Hands-on experiences involve students, fuel their curiosity, and give them a concrete introduction to often abstract scientific ideas and procedures.

Sustainable Garden

This course will enable students to understand and appreciate the changes we will need to make in our gardens to achieve ‘sustainability.’ A multitude of differing strategies will be presented allowing students to choose the extent of their involvement with more sustainable gardens and, ultimately, a more sustainable life style. We will design and build a school garden and students will be encouraged to get the hands “dirty” each week we meet to understand the workload of a farmer and how it can be more cost and resource effective by promoting sustainability.

Financial Literacy- Grades 7 & 8

This program was developed to focus on the students creating their own personalized budgets, financial plans, and investing plans. The students can immediately begin to apply the learned skills in their life. The carefully designed exercises and activities will move the students step-by-step toward each of the seven core competencies that the program teaches.

Novel Study

Explore contemporary literature of multiple genres, including poetry, the novel, drama, creative nonfiction, news media and digital literature.

Library Skills - Grades 5 -8

This purpose of the school library/ media program in the 21st century is to develop students that will become effective users of resources, ideas and information. They will be exposed to great works of literature for reading pleasure and personal enjoyment. They will also use library resources and technology to gain, organize, manipulate and evaluate data that encourage and empower students to become lifelong learners and problem solvers.

Photography

Students will have hands on experience with digital cameras while learning how to use them to their full potential. We experiment with composition, lighting and camera set up to learn about the art and science of digital photography. Students will also use photo editing software to modify and correct their images.